. >> today should have been the day that hugo chavez was sworn in as the venezuelan president. his supporters took to the streets of the capital and the controversial figure has led the oil-rich company since 1999. he remains in hospital after having cancer surgery. >> he said his absence would promote a constitutional crisis a power vacuum. this was their response. legions of supporters converged to declare that he was there. for he is the people, and they are him. >> the message is that whatever is happening the revolution is alive and well. and here to stay. >> this is where his power lies in the shantytown. he has spent the oil wealth on welfare, health care, housing. they love him for it. there is something religious in the devotion he inspires. i have a lot to thank him for she told me. the president gave me an apartment. he swept to power 14 years ago promising a socialist revolution and offering himself as a global alternative to capitalism. he challenged u.s. power and made friends with enemies. among the educated middle class, he is profoundly unpopular hated by many